Trenton Police Chief Mike Hawkins requests 28 new body armor units to replace items set to expire at the end of June, following the end of its 5-year expected life, during the March 18 city council meeting.
Bureau of Justice grant may cover half of cost
By SUE SUCHYTA
Sunday Times Newspapers
TRENTON – The City Council approved the purchase of 28 new units of body armor during its March 18 meeting to replace units expiring in June following their five-year recommended life.
Police Chief Mike Hawkins said it is imperative that the city’s police officers have the new level two body armor to protect them while on duty.
Each custom-fitted vest costs $920, for a $25,760 total purchase cost.
The preferred vendor, On Duty Gear LLC of Port Huron, is an MiDeal vendor that has custom fit the city’s police officers in the past.
Hawkins said that half of the purchase cost is eligible for reimbursement through the Bureau of Justice Patrick Leahy Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Program, for which an application can be made in April.
He said they plan to fit and size auxiliary police officers for body armor so if funds become available in the future, they will be able to provide protective gear for them as well.